About the Artist: 周彩 (Zhou Cai)
Region: Shuiji, Jianyang, Fujian, China
周彩（Zhou Cai）works in the Jianyang tradition, focusing on wood-fired Jian ware. The studio emphasizes traditional materials and fully hand-made methods… keeping the Song-dynasty spirit alive in contemporary pieces meant for daily tea.
About This Piece
Type: Jian ware teapot (black glaze)
Firing: Dragon-kiln, wood-fired (柴烧)
Finish: High-gloss iron-rich black glaze with subtle speckling characteristic of Jian ware
Mark & Documentation
Base seal: 「周彩」 (Zhou Cai).
Box/booklet: Gold-stamped cards featuring a dragon kiln motif and the studio slogans below, plus a collection certificate.
Studio Slogans (from the booklet)
坚持传统 匠心手作 — Uphold tradition… handcrafted with care.
盖中乾坤 名壶识宝 — A whole world under the lid… recognize treasures among fine teapots.
忆宋古窑 龙窑柴烧建盏 — Remembering the ancient Song kilns… dragon-kiln wood-fired Jian ware.
Location noted: 福建·水吉 — Fujian, Shuiji.
Jian Ware Background
Jian ware (建盏) originated in Jian’an—today’s Jianyang, Fujian. Celebrated since the Song dynasty, classic pieces are known for deep black glazes with natural effects such as oil-spot (油滴), hare’s-fur (兔毫), and partridge-feather (鹧鸪斑). These effects come from iron crystallization in high-temperature reduction firings. Iridescent crystal rims can occur… but are rare.
Materials & Technique
- Locally sourced iron-rich clay and ash/glaze materials
- Throwing, trimming, and fitting by hand
- Long wood firing in a dragon kiln for natural variation and depth
Care & Use
- Rinse with warm water only… avoid soaps and abrasives.
- Allow to air-dry fully before storage.
- As with most Jian glazes, gentle patina and micro-sheen will deepen with regular tea use.
Notes for Collectors
- Artist/Studio mark: 「周彩」 impressed on the base.
- Set includes presentation box, booklet, and collection certificate.
- Natural kiln and glaze variations are expected… each firing is unique.
